[Boatanchors] GB> Will cloth friction tape work with power RF baluns?

[Jim Wiley]

Greg -


I use Scotch # 27 glass-cloth electrical tape for baluns and such.  It 
is a 7-mil woven glass cloth with a thermo-setting adhesive.  The price 
is reasonable and it should be available at most electrical (not 
electronic) supply stores, and even some ACE hardware stores carry it.  
I usually get the 1/2 inch width.  A 66-foot roll is typically about 
$8.00 to $10.00, depending on where you shop. 


If you have an electrician friend, he or she may be able to get you some 
"tag ends" for very low cost, perhaps even free.  Lacking that., check 
with electricians in the yellow pages and ask then if they have any 
roll-ends.  If you only need a couple of feet, they may offer it for free.


According to the spec. sheet, 2 layers are good for 600 volts of 
insulation, and it can stand temperatures up to 130 degrees C (266 
degrees F).  It has good RF properties too.  It can be easily cut 
lengthwise if you need narrower width for smaller cores and baluns.


I would NOT recommend using ordinary "friction" tape in this 
application. It's RF properties are unknown, and the adhesive gets gooey 
and messy when warm.


- Jim, KL7CC


Greg Mijal wrote:
> Hi:
> Will cloth friction tape work OK as a substitute for Teflon tape on 
> power RF balun cores such as tuner baluns?
> Don't want to pay for Teflon tape.
> Thanks
> Greg
> WA7LYO
> Kinston NC